A Daily Ritual Grounded in Discipline
October 1, 2024 – It’s a crisp fall day here in Philadelphia, and I’ve just wrapped up my daily ritual of culling through my photos. Each day, I stand in the Macy’s building, the Wanamaker organ sounding at 5:30 PM sharp, and I listen. That organ, with its thunderous, yet melodic tones, keeps me grounded. It’s more than just music to me – it’s discipline. It’s the end of a day spent wandering the streets, camera in hand, seeking out the fleeting moments.
But it’s also the beginning. A reset. The sound of the organ reminds me that I’ve stayed true to the discipline of my craft – staying out until 5:30, capturing life in all its raw beauty.
Photography as a Stream of Becoming
Street photography is not just about being out there. It’s about flowing with life, treating the entire world as your canvas. There’s a misconception out there that a photographer’s goal is to capture that one “epic” shot. But what if I told you that the best photograph is always your next one? The process is endless – a visual diary of your day, your life, and your thoughts.
I find myself drawn to the details – my hands in a reflection, the play of shadows on the pavement, or the light breaking through the clouds. These are all part of the ever-shifting landscape that forms the backdrop of my day. It’s liberating to not be bound by the idea of a “perfect” shot. Instead, it’s about the stream of becoming, about allowing the world to shape your view and your art.
Light as the Ultimate Medium
Photography is light. Whether it’s the soft glow of the sunrise or the subtle changes in ambient light, this medium is an endless journey, and no two moments are ever the same. The beauty lies in knowing that you can stand in the same spot, at the same time, every day, and the photo will always be different.
I’ve found peace in this new philosophy. Before, I felt limited by specific times of day – the golden hour, the need for crowds, or events. Now, I find myself photographing whenever, wherever – even if it’s just the view outside my window. There’s freedom in that spontaneity. It’s a reminder that life doesn’t have to fit into neat boxes.
A Camera as a Passport to Life
The camera is more than just a tool – it’s my passport to the world. I no longer carry a heavy camera slung across my neck. Now, it’s a Ricoh that fits in my pocket, ready to capture whatever life throws my way. It’s lighter, and somehow, it feels like freedom. And in that freedom, I’ve rediscovered the joy of walking – 30,000 steps a day, no problem. It’s about conquering the streets, exploring the world, and fueling my lust for life.
A Love for Humanity and the Chaos of the City
In many ways, street photography reflects my love for humanity – for life itself. The chaos of the city, the serendipitous encounters with strangers, the fleeting moments that tell a thousand stories. It’s not about “hunting” for the perfect image. It’s about letting life flow toward you. Being in the present, while also being detached.
Every day on the street is an adventure. I’ve learned that to truly capture life, you must engage with it. Talk to strangers, smile at your neighbors. Photography is not just about the shot – it’s about the experience. It’s about being close to life, physically and emotionally.
Breaking the Rules and Embracing Authenticity
And perhaps, it’s about breaking the rules. The guidelines, the traditional ways, don’t matter as much as being authentic. Photography is about more than just the visual game of composition, lighting, and framing. It’s about embodying reality, standing on the front lines of life, and letting your heart guide you.
At the end of the day, this is why I love photography. It’s my love for humanity, for life, for the world around me. The streets, with all their chaos and beauty, are the perfect playground. My camera? It’s just my tool to engage with it all.